x-ray delta one / Foter / CC BY-SA
Dinner parties and cocktail parties are two distinctly different beasts, and while I love nothing more than going out, there’s simply something VERY special about inviting friends and family over for a cocktail party. It’s so much EASIER than having to cook course after course, making sure you have a long enough table and the seating arrangements are JUST right.
Still – I tend to obsess just a little. Here are a few things that make it easier for me.
Grab a notebook & create a list of what you’ll need – I do this first because as I’m going through some of the other steps, invariably I have a “DOH” moment. It can be as simple as 12 champagne glasses, 5 bottles of Freixenet, Wholly Guacamole & pita chips, tapas, coffee and a selection of Torani syrup.
Personally I LOVE themes – I don’t mean we’re going to dress up like Disney characters (although if my friend Marshall were the guest of honor, I might consider it). Something as simple as a color scheme, a flavor that runs throughout the party, or even a cultural theme (French wine, brie, petit fours, etc.). I find a theme helps me with figuring out what to serve.
Schedule – As you can see, I’m a list maker so I write things down. That way the shopping is done, the olives are ready on toothpicks, the veggies have been cut for the dip, the brie is baked, and the invitations have gone out without stress. It also means that I’ll have plenty of time to wriggle into a glamorous dress, and do my hair & makeup so that I can greet my guests and make it all look easy.
Decorate – This is where the theme comes in. Candles, flowers napkins & plates in the same color scheme is an easy do. I love making sure there are plenty of fresh flowers, coordinating towels (even if they’re the paper guest towels) in the bathroom.
Move the furniture – you want an open flow so people can mingle, but remember to have tables where they can set the food & drink down.
Easy Foods –Remember that your guests will be walking around with a drink in their hand, so you want finger foods that can easily be picked up. Keeping it simple with dips & crudités, a cheese, Wholly Guacamole & pita, nut & fruit platter, and finger pastry. I figure 6 – 8 appetizers per person.
Sam Breach / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
The BAR – The decision to have a bartender or make it a DIY bar is completely up to you, although I find that it is easier with a larger crowd to have someone else taking control of pouring.
Be prepared with twice as many glasses as you have guests. If you’re offering a variety of drinks, you’ll need a variety of glasses from champagne & wine glasses, to high ball & martini glasses. Don’t forget the cocktail napkins or you’ll be looking at rings on your good wood furniture!
For a champagne/wine only party – figure one bottle per 2 guests and have an assortment available.
Drunken Monkey / Foter / CC BY-NC
A BASIC bar should include: vodka, whiskey & wine….if you want to really outdo yourself add gin, tequila, rum, bourbon, & vermouth. However – we go back to the theme. If it’s a MARTINI party you know what to have on hand. You’ll also need mixers like OJ & other juices, soda, tonic, ginger ale, tomato juice, Tabasco, lemons, limes, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce, as well as olives, cherries, sliced lemons & limes, toothpicks, etc.
ICE, ICE, ICE – there’s nothing worse than running out of ice, and it’s seem like this happens more often than not. PREPARE & get extra. Figure 1 lb. per guest.
COFFEE – I put on a pot at about the 2/3 – 3/4 point so that people can get prepared for the drive home. I always add a selection of Torani syrups for fun and variety. I also have the local TAXI company on speed dial if I think someone should not be driving.
ENJOY YOURSELF – Relax. Your guests have a drink in their hand, music is playing, and they’re all mingling. It’s time to relax and have fun. This isn’t about being perfect, it’s about gathering with good friends and family.
I listed a couple of my favorite brands in this post. In the past I have received product from a couple of them. In this case I am purchasing them for use at my party.
Nicole Brady says
Great list. my list would consist of one item… invite Zippy to plan my party. hehe
On a serious noie, I would add to the list a game plan for getting everyone home safely. Have a list of cab companies on hand. Maybe even have some personal notes tucked away as to who lives near each other so you can help coordinate cabpooling.
Rachel Ferrucci says
I’m a list maker too! Although this list makes it that much easier. Maybe we should do a around the country cocktail virtual party!!
xo
Zippy says
Great idea…planting some designated drivers into the mix. I love it Nicole.
Zippy says
Rachel – we give GREAT parties. Look at what we did for that accessory store chain! LOL
Jenny says
your list just reminds me of the latest party i attended.and seriously, they run out of ice! would you believe that? lesson learned for the party thrower then!
Zippy says
I think that ice is the most common thing to run out of, and it’s the cheapest.
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